Asterisk

The asterisk is one of a number of liturgical vessels and implements used during services of the Orthodox Church.

The asterisk is a cross-shaped object which is placed on the paten, or diskos, during the Proskomedia and supports the covering. Historically, the asterisk represented the heavens, while the paten represented the earth. More recently the asterisk has also come to symbolize the star of the Magi. As a result, it is often called "the star." The priest now prays, "And the star came to rest over the place where the Young Child was" as he puts it on the diskos over the Lamb.

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